Hey from Midwest USA!

[backpacker99]

I got my advanced open water cert in 2016 at Altons in Utila, Honduras. I got in 15 dives and it was an excellent experience! I haven't dived since but I have a new incentive to organize a trip: my 70 year old mother has scuba diving on her bucket list. So I joined to find out about senior-friendly places for her to certify and dive in the Caribbean. I'll be picking a lot of brains!

 

[Snoweman]

Welcome! Does your mom want to pursue diving, or just knock it off her list? If it's the latter, then I would look at places for a "discover scuba" experience. Lots of places will have it. It will probably depend more on what is available for flights from your location.

 

[backpacker99]

I think she will want several dives plus my girlfriend wants to get certified with her, so the basic Open Water cert will work for both of them (and I will take the refresher). I have a bunch of airline miles so was hoping to take them to Belize but I've never been and not sure where the low-key locations are.

 

[Snoweman]

I have only dove in Placencia, which is extremely low key. I think you can find better (and more expensive) places further north towards Ambergris Caye.

 

[Compressor]

Welcome to ScubaBoard and congratulations on getting back into diving. Now the fun starts.

 

[JackD342]

Without knowing anything about your mother, I will still ask you to consider if might be best to plan for a private lesson rather than her joining a group. Add your girlfriend for a private group of two to probably make a noticeable difference in that private cost.

 

[MichaelMc]

I think the ocean side of Ambergris Caye is all boat diving, as a boat channel runs along the shore.

A shore dive, shallow super calm, may be a nice first dive. Likely kitting up in the water. We snorkeled at Secret Beach on the inland side. 4' depth for 100 yards or so. Super spot to baby paddle around a bit on scuba. Depending if that is needed.

Mostly would recommend pool work at home before the trip. Even then, a nice wade out dive may beat a jump off the boat dive as the first go, so secret beach may have value. I do not know any rules about shops taking scuba folks there. I used White Sands which is near there. Our snorkel trip to Hol Chan had scuba folk near by and I could stand on fin tips where we anchored. So also a tame start. Though not quite a chest deep water spot.

Trip report - Ambergris Caye, White Sands - April 2017

I would definitely go back, get a room in town, dive the mornings and wander in the afternoons. Cay Caulker is apparently even more laid back of an extra variety.

 

[jonhall]

Welcome to the board. I'm also in Indy. Is there a possibility your mom and girlfriend could take the OW course before the trip? Both Indy MPH in Fishers (96th St.) and Diver's Supply on the east side (S. Post Rd) and in Avon offer the course. They could then do their checkout dives at the dive op you wind up with on your trip.

 

[John Dietz]

Welcome, and happy diving!

 

[backpacker99]

Welcome to the board. I'm also in Indy. Is there a possibility your mom and girlfriend could take the OW course before the trip? Both Indy MPH in Fishers (96th St.) and Diver's Supply on the east side (S. Post Rd) and in Avon offer the course. They could then do their checkout dives at the dive op you wind up with on your trip.

Think we are going that route now. I checked out some local dive shops (didn't expect this many around Indianapolis). I looked into Sonnyside of Scuba. Now, my stepdad (78) is on board. He is in very good shape for that age. Trying to convince other family members to join us. Once they finish the certs we'll pick the vacation spot. Should be easier this way.